By Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
The deaths of Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo and Kyambogo University student Juma Bumba less than 24 hours apart have shocked many and reignited concerns about mob killings.
Gongodyo, 27, died on Friday evening after he was allegedly assaulted by a mob in Masulira Zone, Nakawa Division. A video circulating on social media shows Gongodyo seated on the ground as members of a crowd accuse him of stealing a bag. He was then badly beaten and was later rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries about five hours later.
The Uganda Rugby Union described the death of the Stanbic Black Pirates player and Makerere University student as a major loss to the sport.
“The late Sydney Gongodyo served Uganda with honour, discipline and exceptional commitment,” the union said in a statement. “His passing is a monumental loss not only to Black Pirates and the Rugby Cranes, but to the entire rugby fraternity in Uganda.” the statement reads.
The union said Gongodyo embodied the values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations of players.
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the number of people arrested in connection to the case has risen. “More 05 arrests have been made. The number of arrests stands at 08,” he tweeted on his X account.
In response to Gongodyo’s death, Sunday’s Uganda Rugby Premiership semi-final between Black Pirates and Heathens was postponed. A minute of silence was observed across league matches, while players and officials wore black armbands in his honour.
Just a day later, another tragedy struck, Juma Bumba, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management at Kyambogo University, died at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital after reportedly being burnt to death inside his rented house in Bweyogerere, Kira Municipality.
Preliminary reports indicate that Bumba was inside his room when a fire broke out in his rented house in Bweyogerere, Kira Municipality. Police have not confirmed the cause, although arson has been suggested in some accounts and investigations are ongoing.
Kyambogo University’s Guild leadership confirmed his death in an official notice.
“We hereby inform you of the passing on of Mr. Bumba Juma, a first-year, second-semester student in the Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management programme,” the notice read.
The university said it had facilitated embalming, transportation and burial arrangements under its Student Burial Policy.
Bumba will be laid to rest in Kamonkoli Kerene Village in Budaka District.
His death marks the third student fatality linked to the university community in less than three months.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, at least 950 people were killed in mob killing incidents last year. Many of the victims had been accused of offences ranging from theft and robbery to witchcraft and murder.
Human rights advocates say Gongodyo’s death highlights the dangers of mob killings, where accusations are often treated as proof and punishment is meted out before investigations are conducted.
The hashtag #JusticeForSydney has since gained traction on social media, with Ugandans calling for accountability and stronger action against mob violence.
Police have urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activity through lawful channels and allow investigations to take their course.
